Suspected members of the Neo-Black Movement, also known as the Aye cult, on Friday evening launched a violent reprisal attack on Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, leaving the President General of the town, Chief Ikwuka Okoye, dead.
Residents said the assailants, who were heavily armed, stormed the community in what appeared to be a coordinated operation, injuring several people and killing at least two persons, including Chief Okoye. The identity of the second victim had not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Sources within the community linked the attack to the recent death of a suspected cult member, identified as Emma Amasco, aged about 25. Amasco was said to be a known member of the Aye cult who allegedly engaged in robbery activities in Onitsha and its environs.
According to local accounts, Amasco had been apprehended after allegedly attempting to dispose of stolen phones and laptops at Sir Emeka Offor Plaza in Onitsha. He was later returned to Ogidi at the insistence of the community leadership, including the traditional ruler and Chief Okoye, who were said to be championing a crackdown on cultism and violent crime in the area.
The circumstances surrounding Amasco’s eventual death remain unclear. However, his killing reportedly triggered threats of retaliation by members of his cult group, culminating in Friday’s deadly attack on the community.
Chief Okoye, described by residents as a prominent and widely respected leader, was reportedly targeted during the assault. Details of the exact circumstances of his killing were still sketchy as of press time.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the incident and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, the police expressed condolences to the Ogidi community and acknowledged a link between the killing of the President General and the earlier arrest and death of the suspected cultist.
“Following the report, police operatives swiftly took over the scene and commenced investigations,” the statement read. “The Command is currently working with eyewitness accounts and available intelligence to identify and arrest those responsible.”
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue, assuring the public that efforts were being intensified to restore peace and ensure accountability.